Chapter 14
Cause: Explanatory Theories
Introduction
General Theories
Theories of Complex Behaviour
Theories of Legal Compliance
Appendix: Force Field Diagram
Introduction
This chapter describes various theories that seek to explain causation. By
considering causation the chapter seeks to explain how one thing, such as a
law, can cause various responses. These theories are classified into three
groups – general theories, theories of complex behaviour and theories of legal
compliance.
General Theories
Introduction
Behavioural sciences such as psychology, sociology, economics, management
and history, provide an array of theories, with some empirical support, which
explain behaviour by reference to such basic factors as biology, socialisation,
learning, motivation and cognitive processes. In propounding these theories,
social scientists broadly accept qualified determinism, while conceding that
some theories are more or less deterministic than others (and in consequence,
less or more voluntaristic). Therefore, these theories provide explanations for
causation. This section outlines some major theories in social science to show
that. This outline shows that,
while there are areas of agreement, there is no
general agreement among social science about the forces which control or
influence human behaviour.
Sigmund Freud
A culture which leaves unsatisfied and drives to rebelliousness so large a
number of its members neither has a prospect of continued existence nor
deserves it.
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According to Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), humans, including infants, are
driven by innate and powerful biological urges that must be satisfied. There are
two major forces, which Freud labelled Eros and Thanatos. Eros is the life
instinct, driving such things as the demand for food, drink, shelter and sex.
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Sigmund Freud (1927) The Future of an Illusion
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